Tag: B.J. Boyd

by Bill Moriarity / A’s Farm Editor

First baseman Matt Olson

With the 2017 minor league season now complete, it’s the perfect time to take a step back and determine who the true standouts on the field really were in the A’s system in 2017. We’re not selecting top prospects here, just looking at the top performers on the field this season. So, with that in mind, it’s time to name A’s Farm’s 2017 Post-Season Organizational All-Star Team!

Below you’ll find the primary starting players at each position for Triple-A Nashville, Double-A Midland, High-A Stockton, Class-A Beloit, Class-A Short-Season Vermont and the Rookie League Short-Season AZL A’s in 2017. Offensive players were selected from the primary starters at each position for each team over the course of the season, with notable players not leading in games played at a particular position listed in the designated hitter category. Starting pitchers for each club were selected from among the top starters for each team, while closers were selected from each team’s saves leader. Asterisks denote players with combined statistics from multiple minor league teams within the A’s system, but players’ major league statistics and statistics acquired while with other organizations have not been included.

Although A.J. Puk is undoubtedly the A’s top pitching prospect, he doesn’t appear here since he split his season between Stockton and Midland, had an ERA over 4.00 for the year, and had teammates on both squads who performed better on the field over the course of the season. But that in no way diminishes his overall prospect status. The same applies to Yairo Munoz, who split time between Nashville and Midland and also split time between shortstop, third base and the outfield and thus was not the primary starter at any position for either team. Shortstop Jorge Mateo and third baseman Sheldon Neuse are not included either, since both arrived in trades in July and neither appeared in more than 40 regular season games in the A’s system.

Check out our list of All-Star candidates at each position. Then click on the link just below the list of contenders to find A’s Farm’s winning Organizational All-Stars at each position. The winners were determined based purely on performance, not potential. Remember, we’re not selecting the top prospects here, we’re choosing the top performers on the field this season. So take a look at the candidates for yourself and then cast your vote in our poll for the top A’s Organizational All-Star of 2017!

TEXAS LEAGUE SOUTH DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (Double-A)

GAME #1

Midland RockHounds 9

San Antonio Missions 2

WP – J.Seddon

HR – V.Rosa 2, S.Murphy

Prospect Of The Game:

(3 for 5 / 2 Home Runs / Double / 8 RBIs)

First baseman Viosergy Rosa led the RockHounds to a big win in the first game of their best-of-five playoff series on Wednesday. The Texas League RBI leader collected 3 hits, including a double and a pair of 3-run homers, while driving in 8 of the RockHounds 9 runs on the night. Catcher Sean Murphy singled twice and slugged a solo shot to account for Midland’s only other run, while left fielder Jordan Tarsovich and designated hitter Jermaine Curtis had a pair of hits apiece for the Hounds. Starter A.J. Puk struck out 8 over 4 scoreless frames but exited after throwing a total of 74 pitches. RHP Joel Seddon picked up the win despite allowing 2 runs in 2 innings of work. RHP Carlos Navas pitched 2 perfect innings in relief, and LHP Cody Stull got the final three outs in the 9th to close out the win for the RockHounds. In other news, Midland outfielder B.J. Boyd was placed on the temporarily inactive list for “family leave,” and RHP Joseph Camacho replaced him on the RockHounds playoff roster on Wednesday. Meanwhile, RHP James Naile is set to take the mound for Midland on Thursday. Midland RockHounds Playoff Roster

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Midland RockHounds’ Game #1 starter A.J. Puk

While Vermont’s third-to-last regular season game against Tri-City was rained out on Tuesday, two A’s affiliates, the Midland RockHounds and the Stockton Ports, are both set to begin postseason play on Wednesday. In the first games of their respective series, Midland LHP A.J. Puk is set to face San Antonio RHP Enyel De Los Santos, while Stockton RHP Logan Shore will be opposed by a hurler-to-be-named for Modesto.

Midland first baseman Viosergy Rosa led the Texas League with 110 RBIs, while outfielder B.J. Boyd led the league in hits and tied for the league lead in runs while his .323 batting average was third-best in the league, and second baseman Max Schrock‘s .321 average put him right behind Boyd in the batting race while his .379 on-base percentage was third-best in the league. RockHounds RHP Grant Holmes led the league in strikeouts with 150. Stockton outfielder Seth Brown‘s 30 home runs led the California League, as did his 109 RBIs, while Ports RHP Nolan Blackwood‘s 19 saves were the second-most in the league. You’ll find both teams’ playoff schedules as well as links to their complete playoff rosters below…

Be sure to like A’s Farm’s page on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @AthleticsFarm. You can also get our exclusive A’s minor league newsletter e-mailed to you free by signing up here.

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by Bill Moriarity / A’s Farm Editor

With the end of the minor league season almost upon us, it’s time to take a look at some of the young hitters in the A’s system who’ve been having true standout seasons on the field in 2017. So, let’s run down some of the top-performing position players in the A’s system this year. For the purposes of this piece, we’re only examining hitters who’ve compiled at least 300 at-bats this season and who are currently in the A’s minor league system. And remember, we’re not ranking top prospects here, just taking a look at some of the top performers on the field. All statistics are through games of Friday, September 1…

Nashville Sounds (AAA)

(466 AB / 32 HR / 41 BB / 139 K / .253 AVG / .315 OBP / .526 SLG)

Considered a top power-hitting prospect for the A’s ever since the team signed him as a teenager out of Venezuela over six years ago, Nunez is back for his second season at Nashville. And his power seems to have reached new heights in his second stint at Triple-A. His 32 home runs are the most among A’s minor leaguers and tie him for second-most in the 16-team Pacific Coast League. The right-handed slugger’s 61 extra-base hits lead the A’s system, and his .526 slugging percentage is best among A’s prospects with at least 300 at-bats. The 23-year-old has also been much more consistent at the plate than he has been in past campaigns, though his lack of speed has led him to ground into 14 double plays so far this season. Nunez should get a look with the A’s this September, where he may have the chance to see some time in left field and in the designated hitter spot over the last month of the season. But with Matt Chapman entrenched at the hot corner, it doesn’t seem likely that he’ll be seeing much time at his old position. He really has the ability to hammer lefties, so his best role may be as a power-hitting platoon player, either as a DH or in left field. He’ll be out of options next season though, so the A’s will quickly need to determine exactly what they think they have in Mr. Nunez.

Stockton Ports (A+) / Midland RockHounds (AA)

(474 AB / 11 HR / 72 BB / 129 K / .310 AVG / .404 OBP / .441 SLG)

Ramirez has proven to be a fast mover in the A’s system. After being drafted in the 7th round last year and spending most of last season with short-season Vermont, the left-handed hitter started this year at High-A Stockton and then moved up to Double-A Midland this summer without missing a beat. The improved competition hasn’t seemed to hinder the 22-year-old, as he hit better at Stockton than he did for Vermont, and has hit even better for Midland than he did at Stockton. Ramirez has been remarkably consistent while hardly ever taking a day off and has a real knack for reaching base. His 72 walks are most among A’s minor leaguers, while his .404 on-base percentage is best among A’s prospects with at least 300 at-bats. He’s also compiled the second-most hits and runs in the system so far this season. While Ramirez can play all three outfield positions, he seems to look most comfortable in left, where he’s spent the bulk of his time this season.

Stockton Ports (A+)

(432 AB / 20 HR / 31 BB / 102 K / .301 AVG / .365 OBP / .493 SLG)

After turning in a somewhat unimpressive season last year at Beloit, Siddall may have shown as much improvement as any hitter in the A’s system this year. Taken by Oakland in the 13th round of the 2015 draft, the left-handed hitter got off to a slow start this season, compiling a rather tepid .657 OPS in April, but a healthy .929 OPS in the second half has helped to turn things around in a big way for the 22-year-old. His 20 home runs and .493 slugging percentage have helped to make him a potent force in the Ports lineup this season, while primarily playing in left and right field and also seeing frequent time in the DH spot for Stockton. He can tend to crowd the plate a bit and has been hit by pitches 14 times this season, which is the most among A’s minor leaguers.

Stockton Ports (A+)

(509 AB / 28 HR / 55 BB / 143 K / .267 AVG / .337 OBP / .495 SLG)

Back for his second season in Stockton, Brown has really unleashed his power potential for the Ports this year. After getting off to a sluggish start with a .718 OPS in the first half, the left-handed hitter has put up an impressive .951 OPS since the California League All-Star break in late June to become Stockton’s best hitter in the second half. The 25-year-old leads all A’s minor leaguers in total bases, while his .495 slugging percentage is good for second-best among A’s prospects with at least 300 at-bats, and his 28 home runs and 106 RBIs both currently lead the California League. Of course, along with power come strikeouts, and his 143 whiffs are tied for second-most in the A’s system. After being taken in the 19th round of the 2015 draft as a first baseman, Brown has spent the past couple of seasons primarily playing right field, but he’s begun seeing some more time at first base again lately.

Midland RockHounds (AA)

(519 AB / 5 HR / 33 BB / 74 K / .329 AVG / .372 OBP / .437 SLG)

Taken by the A’s in the 4th round of the 2012 draft as a teenager out of Palo Alto High, Boyd has really come into his own in his sixth season in the A’s system. After turning in a somewhat uninspiring season at Stockton last year, the 24-year-old has compiled more hits and runs than any A’s minor leaguer this season and is tied for the second-most doubles with 29, while his .329 batting average is best among A’s prospects with at least 300 at-bats and also happens to lead the Texas League. The left-handed hitter has been incredibly productive hitting near the top of the order for the RockHounds and has swiped 15 bases while primarily splitting time between left and center field. Boyd has shown tremendous consistency this year and even leads his team in total bases this season.

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Be sure to like A’s Farm’s page on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @AthleticsFarm. You can also get our exclusive A’s minor league newsletter e-mailed to you free by signing up here.

TEXAS LEAGUE (Double-A)

San Antonio Missions 5

Midland RockHounds 12

WP – Naile 2-3 / 3.21

HR – Rosa (18)

Prospect Of The Game:

(4 for 5 / Triple / 2 RBIs / Stolen Base)

The RockHounds won their final home game of the regular season to snap their six-game losing streak and reduce their magic number for a playoff berth to three with just three games remaining. Shortstop Jorge Mateo had another big night at the plate, collecting 4 hits, including a triple, while scoring 4 runs, driving in a pair and swiping a base. It was the 22-year-old’s 18th triple and 52nd stolen base of the season, and Mateo is now hitting .450 over his last 4 games for Midland. Center fielder B.J. Boyd drove in 4 runs while notching 3 hits, including a pair of doubles, to take back the Texas League batting lead by raising his average to a robust .329. First baseman Viosergy Rosa walked, singled in a run and slugged a 3-run homer to extend his league-leading RBI total to 110, while designated hitter Jermaine Curtis walked, singled twice and doubled in a run for the RockHounds. RHP James Naile turned in his third straight quality start, allowing just 2 unearned runs and striking out 5 over 6 frames to earn his 2nd win of the season on Friday.

MIDWEST LEAGUE (Class-A)

Quad Cities River Bandits 0

Beloit Snappers 3

WP – Erwin 6-4 / 2.12

Prospect Of The Game:

(6 IP / 0 H / 0 ER / 1 BB / 4 K / Win)

LHP Zack Erwin and RHP Joseph Camacho combined to no-hit Quad Cities and snap the Snappers five-game losing streak on Wednesday. Erwin, who was acquired from the White Sox in December of 2015 in the Brett Lawrie deal, allowed just 1 walk while striking out 4 over 6 hitless and scoreless frames to lower his ERA to 2.12. After throwing 79 pitches, he was replaced on the mound by RHP Joseph Camacho, who was signed last summer as an undrafted free agent out of Alabama State. And the 23-year-old walked 1 and struck out 2 over 3 hitless innings in relief to earn his 1st save for the Snappers and complete the no-hitter on Wednesday. Shortstop Edwin Diaz walked and doubled in a run, while third baseman Trace Loehr doubled in his return from the disabled list, and second baseman Josh Vidales and left fielder J.C. Rodriguez each singled in a run for the Snappers. And with Loehr returning to the active roster, Beloit RHP John Gorman was promoted to the Ports on Wednesday.

CALIFORNIA LEAGUE (High-A)

Modesto Nuts 1

Stockton Ports 5

WP – Sawyer 4-4 / 2.93

HR – Brown (23), Siddall (19), E.White (4)

Prospect Of The Game:

(5 IP / 2 H / 0 ER / 0 BB / 4 K / Win)

LHP Dalton Sawyer returned from the disabled list to help the Ports prevail for the third time in their last four games and move into a three-way tie for first place in their division on Tuesday. Last year’s 9th-round draft pick for the A’s allowed just 2 hits over 5 scoreless frames to earn the win, and he’s now given up just 2 earned runs over his last 20 innings for Stockton. Right fielder Seth Brown singled, walked and homered for the third straight game, giving him a team-leading 23 round-trippers and extending his league-leading RBI total to 89. Left fielder Brett Siddall and shortstop Eli White both slugged solo shots, while third baseman Mikey White collected 3 hits, including a double, and second baseman Branden Cogswell and designated hitter Richie Martin had a pair of hits apiece for the Ports. And while Dalton Sawyer returned from the disabled list, RHP Norge Ruiz was placed on the DL with a sore elbow on Tuesday.

TEXAS LEAGUE (Double-A)

Arkansas Travelers 1

Midland RockHounds 9

WP – Puk 2-3 / 4.91

HR – Sportman (11)

Prospect Of The Game:

(6 IP / 5 H / 1 ER / 2 BB / 7 K / Win)

Starter A.J. Puk turned in an impressive performance to help the RockHounds score their sixth win in their last seven games on Sunday. The 22-year-old allowed just 1 run while striking out 7 over 6 innings of work to earn his 2nd win for Midland, and he’s now recorded 42 strikeouts over his last 27 innings for the RockHounds. RHPs Joel Seddon, Sam Bragg and Kyle Finnegan each tossed 1 scoreless inning in relief. Right fielder J.P. Sportman doubled and hit a 2-run homer, while center fielder B.J. Boyd (.327) and second baseman Max Schrock (.323) collected 3 hits apiece to move into first and third place, respectively, in the Texas League batting race.

CALIFORNIA LEAGUE (High-A)

Visalia Rawhide 0

Stockton Ports 4

WP – Sawyer 3-4 / 3.22

Prospect Of The Game:

(5 IP / 4 H / 0 ER / 1 BB / 5 K / Win)

Stockton shut out Visalia on 5 hits to win its third straight on Saturday. Starter Dalton Sawyer was outstanding, striking out 5 while throwing 5 scoreless innings to earn his 3rd win for the Ports, and last year’s 9th-round draft pick for the A’s has now allowed just 4 earned runs while striking out 23 over his last 20 innings for Stockton. RHPs Joey Wagman, Miguel Romero and Kyle Friedrichs combined to throw 4 scoreless frames in relief to complete the shutout on Saturday. First baseman Mikey White walked and doubled with the bases loaded to drive in 3 runs, and designated hitter Jake Smolinski went 0 for 2 with a walk and was hit by a pitch in his first rehab appearance for the Ports. Meanwhile, LHP Andrew Tomasovich was activated from the disabled list while LHP Jared Lyons landed on the DL for Stockton on Saturday.